Chow Yun Fat shaved his head for the first time in his film career for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which marked director Ang Lee’s return to Chinese cinema after Eat Drink Man Woman. Surprisingly for an Asian director, Lee achieved success across genres, directing Sense and Sensibility, The Ice Storm, and Ride with the Devil. Given this track record, Ang Lee’s rendition of the wuxia (martial arts) movie, infused with his unique “sense and sensibility,” diverged significantly from conventional norms. What stood out most was Chow Yun Fat, primarily known for his suited appearances, starring as the last surviving Wudang master. Under the guidance of marital arts director Yuen Woo-ping, who brought a new action style to Hollywood through The Matrix, Chow demonstrates the pinnacle of his skills and gracefully glides over water and bamboo treetops, unveiling the film’s ultimate message of freedom. Amid characters seemingly defying gravity’s pull, he stands at the core of the film’s narrative. (JU Sungchul)